J'ennessence: Everyone is Essential, Everyone is Important

Everyone is essential, everyone is important. That is what J'enessence founder Jennifer Woytovich told me when I was asking questions for this review. That really stuck with me. More on why later.

I was sent the lotion in this review for free in exchange for my honest opinion.

J’enessence Detox and Relax Lotion

The Product

I was sent the J’enessence Detox and Relax Lavender, Lemon and Clary Sage natural body lotion made with 98% natural ingredients. The lotion was “designed to be as gentle on your skin as possible while still allowing you the most luxurious bath and skin care experience with therapeutic benefits” (https://jenessence.net/). There are also three more scent lines available, a Restore and Refresh (eucalyptus, peppermint and rosemary), a Nourish and Refine (roses, tea tree and neroli), and a Relief and Heal (tea tree, lemongrass and bergamot).

The line I tried, the Detox and Relax, was designed to detox your skin from daily pollution, oils and residue. Who doesn’t need that in their life? As a lotion, it hydrates and protects the skin, our largest organ. The lotion itself is made from organic coconut and organic olive oils as well as therapeutic grade essential oils. The lotion is 100% vegan friendly, 100% dye or colorant free, 100% synthetic fragrances free (naturals smells only), 100% sulfate free, 100% parabens free, 100% no animal testing.

The Ingredients

Water (Aqua), Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil*, Organic Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil*, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Stearic Acid (Palm), Glycerin (Vegetable), Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Peel Oil, Salvia Sclarea (Clary Sage) Oil, Cetyl Alcohol (Palm), Butylene Glycol (Sugarcane), Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol.

*Certified Organic Ingredients

The Review

I loved this lotion. Loved it. It soaked into my perpetually dry skin quickly and didn’t leave any greasy residue behind. People that follow my Instagram and blog regularly will know that one of the biggest issues I have with facial skincare products as well as body products is the smell. I have asthma and a very strong sense of smell, which tends to be a problem with a lot of scented products. I had absolutely no issues with this product. Perhaps most of my issues come more from the synthetic fragrances that beauty products use. I highly recommend this lotion. I use it mostly before bed because the lavender is very soothing. I can see why this is referred to as a therapy lotion. The aromatherapy really works!

Lotion Texture

Update: Those of you that regularly read my stuff will know that I am fairly accident prone. I accidentally squirted this lotion all over my pants at work. I inadvertently relaxed myself when I really did not need to be relaxing…

Last, but definitely not least, I want to address why the founder, Jennifer Woytovich’s words struck me. When you go to the J’enessence website (https://jenessence.net/), on their “About Us” page, you get to read more about Jennifer. Jennifer shares the story of her life (so far) and talks about the abuse she endured throughout her childhood. As the survivor of domestic violence in my adulthood, I am impressed with what she is making of herself in spite of everything she went through. I started on my beauty and skincare journey because a podcast, The Snailcast, (link) inspired me to get into selfcare and get my confidence back. Selfcare is important to everyone and is a skill we all need to practice. Take a minute and read her story.

Right before I got lotion all over...

Please check out everything J’enessence has to offer. They have amazing body wash (I am currently rationing my sample bottle 😊). Next, I am eyeing up the Naturally Ageless Day Cream with CBD crystals and CoQ10.

Happy Holidays With BeautyTap!

Happy Holidays to all my readers! I struggle every year getting useful and original gifts for my family and friends, and my guess is so does the rest of the world! I do like to share my interests with my loved ones...even if my uncles seem to go kicking and screaming when I try to talk skincare to them!

My biggest interest obsession is skincare and I get some of my favorites from BeautyTap. I like BeautyTap because they have the best variety and seem to always be introducing new brands and products. Not to mention the flash sales!

The products in this article were sent to me from BeautyTap in exchange for my honest opinion.

Donkey Milk Water Drop Cream (seaNtree) 

Out of everything BeautyTap sent me, this was the product I was excited about the most. I had never heard of “water drop creams” before this product. When a water drop cream hits your skin, it turns into moisturizing drops that are easily absorbed by the skin.

The seaNtree Donkey Milk Water Drop Cream is a loose, opaque gel that has a light fragrance about it. It is the oddest feeling when you spread it on your skin and you can actually feel the change from gel to water. In the morning my skin is plump and hydrated.

Who knows, donkey milk may be the next snail mucin!

Smooth Body Bubble Bath Cube Soap (So Natural The Pure) 

This was another product I was curious about. Remember those animal shaped sponges in bright colors that hid the offending bar of soap when you were little? This is the adult version.

The Smooth Body Bubble Bath Cube Soap is a little hemp bag full of fresh powder scented soap. I was excited to try this product out to help rid me of the dry winter skin, in the absence of a Korean spa. I just did a foot peal and thought this would be great to help move the pealing along. I will not subject you to pictures of my peeling feet. Instead, here is a picture of the product after use:

It lathers but doesn’t produce a huge wasted cloud of soap. This is the amount of later you can expect:

How long will this product last? Not sure. It is full of actual cubes of soap, so it won’t be after one or two uses. I have a feeling this product will last a while as long as I remember to hang it up!

Snail Premium Ampule (seaNtree) 

Ahhh snail, my first AB love. I love snail and I love the packaging this product came in. Very sturdy, pretty and in a heavy glass bottle. The surprise for this ampule is that it is creamy! All of the ampules I have tried so far were clear.

The texture of the ampule is smooth, creamy and the thickness is somewhere between water and a thick serum (is "looseness" of a formula a thing?). The Snail Premium Ampule has a very light scent that dissipates almost right away upon application. This product has become an important hydrating layer in my war against tret-face. I highly recommend both this product and brand. I have been quite pleased with everything I have tried from seaNtree so far.

While these are all fabulous gift ideas, don't forget to gift yourself as well. Self care is something we all need to do better at. Me included. Make a New Year's Resolution to take better care of yourself!

Fabulous Finds on Amazon Prime...Part 2!

In the latest skincare adventures of Mandy Snail, I have discovered a new product type. In my latest batch of items from the Amazon CrediThink store, I have found a totally new product to me. I also have a new favorite for the cold weather months and a new fighter against tret face. Lets get started!

I have received these three products from the CrediThink Amazon store in exchange for my honest review.

Isntree Clear Skin 8% AHA Essence

This was the product type that I had never heard of. An essence that is also an active-that was what intrigued me. I am used to an active that I apply with a cotton pad like a toner. An essence I pat on that is also a chemical exfoliant was something I had never seen before.

The essence itself was clear and was the consistency of water. The active essence is an 8% AHA  (half lactic acid and half glycolic acid) solution. The instructions say it is safe to use every night unless you have sensitive skin. If you have sensitive skin it is recommended to use 2-3 times a week.

To use, pat on after washing your face and applying toner.

I really liked this product. Currently I use Curology with Tretinoin and Lotion P50-400, so my skin has been quite dry lately. I was afraid I would start peeling and burning if I added something else, so I proceeded with caution. It was actually pretty gentle. My skin was smooth and flake free the next morning.

HOWEVER, I have very tolerant skin. I do not recommend adding all of this to your face if you in any way have sensitive skin, or you are not well versed in chemical exfoliants. Patch test first.


Blossom Jeju 100% Pure Camellia Dry Oil

I can't imagine not being a fan of everything from the Blossom Jeju line. The smell is euphoric and amazing.

The Blossom Jeju 100% Pure Camellia Dry Oil is a light oil that is very moisturizing. The oil quickly absorbs into the skin and is a perfect addition to any regimen. It in no way left my skin feeling greasy. I added the oil just before my cream step. I give it a minute to absorb and seal it in with a good moisturizing cream.

This line is one of my luxury favorites for when I feel like I want to or need to treat myself. I have never been disappointed!





Miguhara Hyalucollagen Moisturizer

Speaking of a good moisturizing cream...The Miguhara Hyalucollagen Moisturizer surprised me. It is in a very unassuming jar that simply states its purpose without fancy graphics and glitter.

The product information claims the cream can provide 100 hours of moisture and is safe for use with sensitive skin. I am not sure how I could accurately test this, but I can tell you that this cream made my skin moisturized and soft in the face of my Curology/Tretinoin prescription. The cream was thick and had no scent, but absorbed well and did not leave my skin greasy. I am tempted to see if it can work magic on my elbows...



Buy it:

• Isntree Clear Skin 8% AHA Essence
• Blossom Jeju 100% Pure Camellia Dry Oil
• Miguhara Hyalucollagen Moisturizer

Fabulous Finds on Amazon Prime!

One of the things I hate about ordering Asian beauty products is the wait time. The wait time can sometimes be up to a month or more when ordering directly from the shops or companies.

However, there are a few stores that have shop fronts on Amazon. My favorite is CrediThink, a shop that specializes in Korean Beauty Products and has an amazing selection of prestige and drug store brands.  Most if not all of their products are Prime products, so they usually get to you in 2-3 days! Here are some of my recent favorites CrediThink sent me. I was sent these products from CrediThink for free in exchange for my honest review of the products.

Whamisa Organic Flowers Sun Cream

I have found the perfect sunscreen for winter! I was excited about the fermented ingredients in the Whamisa Organic Flowers Sun Cream. I have been doing some interesting research on fermented ingredients lately, they just sounded so sexy! Then I tried the sun cream, and while it was a little heavy for summer, it will be perfect for the harsh Wisconsin winters that are in my future. The Whamisa Sun Cream had an added bonus-it dried with a slightly tacky finish. When I wore it under my makeup, I found that my makeup didn't move around my face as much. The sun cream actually makes a pretty nice primer! The sun cream also does not have much of a scent, which was my main concern. It has a mild earthy smell.


Blossom Jeju Pink Camellia Soombi Blooming Essence Serum

I love love love anything from the Blossom Jeju line. Have you ever smelled anything from this skincare line?!? It smells like heaven and I feel so lux when I use it. You honestly have to smell it for yourself. I have yet to meet anyone who didn’t like the scent. It is light and flowery but not overpowering. This serum smells like the rest of the line...amazing. The serum sunk into my skin so well and it left it plump and my face pampered. This is a prestige line I recommend that everyone tries at least one product from. It can take your routine up a notch and make your time applying skincare a self-care treat.


ICYWHITE Facial Cooling Cosmetic Massage Stick

I love this cooling stick from ICYWHITE! I wish I had this earlier in the summer. It is so refreshing and relaxing. The idea behind the ICYWHITE Facial Cooling Cosmetic Stick is that it will help reduce puffiness, contracts skin and pores, relieves redness and increases circulation. You put the core in the freezer for an hour. When you pull it out, you put it back in its plastic sleeve to keep your hands from getting cold. Smooth around your face in an "up and out" pattern.
I love putting on a sheet mask and using the cooling stick over the sheet mask to help the sheet mask essence absorb. You can also use it after a mask to massage the excess serum left in the packet into your skin. It feels fantastic after a long day at work. The cooling stick stores in this soft little bag it comes with to help keep it clean.  You don’t need to just use it on your face either. It is nice on your whole body to help keep cool.


Want to check out these great products?

Whamisa Organic Flowers Sun Cream
Blossom Jeju Pink Camellia Soombi Blooming Essence Serum
ICYWHITE Facial Cooling Cosmetic Massage Stick

Beauty Pie: Trust Me, You Want a Piece!

I want to share my new obsession with you. Beauty Pie. Beauty Pie is a company that has been around since December 2016, and operates a business model that is fairly new to the beauty industry. Beauty Pie brings luxury beauty products to the masses at Costco prices.

To start off with Beauty Pie, you pay a monthly fee to get an "allowance" to spend on beauty products. There are four levels of membership, starting at $10 a month. $10 gets you $100 in "allowance". So on an so forth. That membership fee is how Beauty Pie stays in business. Because these products are actually luxury products, not "dupes". Beauty Pie products are made in the same labs and factories as their brand name high end counterparts. And with your membership...you get to buy products at cost.

Beauty Pie believes in transparency with prices. For each product, you can scroll down to the bottom of the listing page and click on the "price transparency" tab. You will see a break down of what the"cost" price really means with this product. For example....

The Jeju Daily Antioxidant Superinfusion Serum. Made in Korea. Regular price is $80, Members pay $8.82. How does that $8.82 break down? I am so glad you asked! $7.15 is the cost of the product and packaging itself. $0.79 is the cost of warehousing and $0.88 goes to safety and testing. That is it. $8.82 for an amazing serum. The amazing scent? The same.

How do I know it is amazing? I have paid full price and extensively used the brand and products that I am pretty sure came out of the same lab as the Jeju Daily Antioxidant Superinfusion Serum. I paid the $80. And I am not going back to the $80 either. #piegirl

So this begs the question, what high end products is Beauty Pie emulating? I have a few comparisons. I could be wrong as these are just my observations.

The Palette

This is the Ten Best Jewel Eyeshadow Shades Palette, complete with eight eye shadows, a highlighter and a sculpting color. In my opinion, these are very similar to the Smashbox Cover Shot palettes. How similar? I did a little quick swatching...

On the left is the Beauty Pie Ten Best Jewel Eyeshadow Shades Palette and on the Right is the Smashbox Cover Shot Palette. The color payoff was great for both palettes. Both palettes were soft and blend-able. The difference? arrangement of the colors and the cost. The Beauty Pie palette was $8.75 and the Smashbox palettes are $29.00. That is a difference of $20.25!

The Eyeliner Marker

I never thought I would actually use a marker on my eyes. At least not past pre-school. Then came along the Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in Trooper. I was in love. However the price point sometimes made me pause. Then came along Beauty Pie's Precision Eyeliner Marker in Black Cat for $2.20. I love everything Kat Von D, but the price difference is too much, especially when I can't tell a quality difference in the amount of wear and clolor in both products.

The Highlighter

I have been on a highlighter kick lately. I love me a bit of shimmer and shine. The Beauty Pie Pro-Glow Highlighter has a build-able, rosy metallic sheen. At $7.06 it is a great substitute for what I consider its mother, the Laura Geller highlighters. From what I have tried, the highlighters made by Laura Geller have the same smooth feeling and the same level of metallic sheen.

The Drops

Strobing drops are a products I have almost no experience with. The Beauty Pie Pro-Glow Superstrobing Drops were my first experience with a product of this nature. Visually they look similar to the drops that Cover FX makes, but I have never tried them. When I wear these Superstrobing Drops, my complexion looks warmer. So far I have used them all over my face on days when I do not feel like wearing foundation. A bit of color and smoothness without the heaviness of a foundation. I have also mixed a drop with my foundation for a touch of glow. At $5.84, they are a great addition to my table

I am so excited to see what Beauty Pie comes up with next. I have a lot more products I will be reviewing in the future including candles, sheet masks and skincare capsules. Stay tuned!

Masked Beauty Review: Coming to a Grocery Store Near You!

I love a good mask, and I have many over the years. From the first St. Ives clay mask that made my face burn and get all tight (that means its working!) to the salon facial I am getting this week, it is safe to say I am a fan of masks. Masked Beauty makes affordable masks that are being sold at grocery and drug stores around the country.

The masks retail for $7.99 each and are sold in Albertsons, Safeway, Jewel, Meijer, Hy-Vee, Marc’s, Weis and Kinney Drugs. I am excited as we are getting a new Meijer in the area next month!

 The masks are made with ingredients like Pure Kaolin, Sweet Almond Oil, Shea Butter, Ginkgo Biloba Extract, Beeswax, Caffeine, and Flower Extracts. They never contain Parabens, Phthalates, Formaldehyde, Triclosan, Polyethylene Microbeads, Bisphenol A (BPA), or Toluene.

Masked Beauty Skincare sent me the two masks in this review in exchange for my honest opinion. No money was exchanged for this review.

 Mask 1: The Exfoliating Coffee & Chocolate Mask 

 The first mask I tried was the Exfoliating Coffee & Chocolate Mask. This mask smelled amazing. It was a thicker mask with little exfoliating granules in it. It smelled like a combination of caramel and coffee. After having it on my face, I waited 10 minutes and then gently rubbed my face before I wiped it off. My skin felt soft and supple. I had no dry or flaky spots left from this lovely and cold Wisconsin Winter we have been having.

 Mask 2: Purifying Charcoal & Diamond Mask 

 The second mask I was sent was the Purifying Charcoal & Diamond Mask. I was extra curious about this mask because it was thinner than most clay masks and it contains diamond dust. I was expecting it to be scratchy, but I was wrong! The Purifying Charcoal & Diamond Mask was very smooth and silky and smelled fresh. When I removed the mask, my skin wasn’t dry like other clay masks. My mores were smaller and my skin was brighter!

 I really enjoyed the Masked Beauty masks and I look forward to trying the other versions soon!

Majestic Pure Camellia Cleansing Oil Review

I have been double cleansing for the past year and a half and the benefits to my skin have been amazing. That and it helps my skin to get less dried out in the harsh Wisconsin winters I experience. I am usually an oil cleansing balm user, simply because it travels well. My skin, however loves anything with camellia seed oil. And it looooves the Majestic Pure Camellia Cleansing Oil.

I received this product free from Majestic Pure in exchange for my honest opinion on the Majestic Pure Camellia Cleansing Oil.

Ingredients

Capric Triglycerides (Fractionated Coconut Oil), Vitis vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Camellia oleifera (Camellia) Seed Oil, Simmondsia chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Tocopherol (Vit. E), All-Natural Fragrance.

The Review

Let’s talk winter first of all. It’s cold and dry and in several parts of the country there are sharp, unforgiving winds. Not exactly a “skin friendly” environment. As I type this I feel the skin around the corners or my eyes getting dryer than the Sahara. This is one of the major reasons I love cleansing oils. They not only remove makeup and sunscreen, but they give moisture back to your skin and keep it from being over stripped in the cleansing process. I oil cleanse and then use a face wash. I get so much more dirt and makeup off than with cleansing alone. Not even counting breaking down the sunscreen I apply every day.

Excuse me, I have to get on my soapbox…WEAR SUNSCREEN EVERYDAY!!! And down again.

The Majestic Pure Camellia Cleansing Oil was pretty unusual for me. I am a cleansing balm user because I travel a lot and it is just easier to carry. I was afraid that it would be overly perfumed, which has also been a problem for me in the past. This cleansing oil did not strip my face, but left it soft and moisturized and it hardly has a scent. And I love, love, love that it comes with a pump. Then I don’t make a mess trying to close the bottle with oily hands. It has no color, which is totally fine with me. Less chemicals added, the better. And it is not tested on animals!

I will be repurchasing this oil when I run out of the bottle I have. A little goes a long way! I am quite curious about what will happen if I use this as a bath oil. Oh darn, now I need to take a hot bath ;)

Use the code MEGALOVE at majesticpure.com to save 25%! Majestic Pure gave me this code to pass  on to all of you. It is good on all products...including sale items! Happy Shopping!